Protective casing for tool hosing and methods

ABSTRACT

A protective casing for tool hosing includes a bag of a pliable. In one arrangement, first and second end plates are on opposite openings of the bag and accommodate hosing. In another arrangement, the bag is laced closed at opposite ends around the hosing.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/109,257, filed Jan. 29, 2015, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a protective casing for hoses or flex lances. This disclosure also relates to methods of use.

BACKGROUND

Water jet cleaning systems are a form of pressure washers with pressures ranging from 7,000 psi to 60,000 psi. The systems are often used for cleaning with high pressure streams of water to remove buildup of debris in pipes, vessels, and various surfaces. Common uses are found in industries such as construction, marine, aviation, oil, and manufacturing.

These systems will often include tooling and hosing that runs between the tooling and units. The hosing often sits on the ground, as it runs between tooling and units, creating trip hazards and leaving unsightly spaghetti of hosing. In addition, the hosing is carrying water at very high pressure, which if bursts, can cause severe injury to operators and bystanders. Improvements are desirable.

SUMMARY

In general, this application is directed to a protective casing for tool hosing.

In one example arrangement, the protective casing includes a bag comprising a pliable material having an interior volume and first and second openings providing access to the interior volume. A first end plate is arranged in the first opening of the bag. The first end plate includes an opening arrangement to accommodate hosing. A second end plate is arranged in the second opening of the bag. The second end plate includes an opening arrangement to accommodate hosing.

The protective casing may further include a first end plate clamp associated with the first end plate to permit adjustment of the first end plate opening arrangement to accommodate differing sizes of hosing. There may also be a second end plate clamp associated with the second end plate to permit adjustment of the second end plate opening arrangement to accommodate differing sizes of hosing.

The first end plate opening arrangement may comprise a plurality of openings, and the second end plate arrangement may comprise a plurality of openings.

In some arrangements, the protective casing can further include a first clamp ring removably securing the bag and first end plate. There can be a second clamp ring removably securing the bag and second end plate.

In some embodiments, the bag may include a fastener to permit opening and closing of the bag along a region between the first and second openings.

In some examples, the first and second openings are in opposite ends of the bag.

In example embodiments, the fastener may include one of a zipper, buttons, and a hook and loop fastener.

In example embodiments, the bag includes a pair of opposite longitudinal sides and a pair of opposite end sides between the longitudinal sides.

In one or more embodiments, the fastener is arranged to removably secure opposite longitudinal sides together.

In example embodiments, the first opening can be formed by a first of the end sides, and the second opening can be formed by a second of the end sides.

In example arrangements, a first end plate clamp is associated with the first end plate to permit adjustment of the first end plate opening arrangement to accommodate differing sizes of hosing, and the first end plate opening arrangement will include a plurality of openings. A second end plate clamp will be associated with the second end plate to permit adjustment of the second end plate opening arrangement to accommodate differing sizes of hosing, and the second end plate arrangement will include a plurality of openings. A first clamp ring will removably secure the bag and first end plate. A second clamp ring will removably secure the bag and second end plate.

In one or more example embodiments, the pliable material of the bag includes a plurality of drain holes therethrough.

In one or more example embodiments, the pliable material of the bag comprises an armored pliable material that is one of woven and synthetic material.

In a further aspect, this disclosure is directed to a protective casing and hose system. The system includes a bag comprising a pliable material having an interior volume and first and second openings providing access to the interior volume. A first end plate is arranged in the first opening of the bag, and the first end plate has an opening arrangement. A second end plate is arranged in the second opening of the bag, and the second end plate includes an opening arrangement. At least one hose is in the bag interior volume and extends through the opening arrangement of the first end plate and the opening arrangement of the second end plate.

In some embodiments, the at least one hose includes a plurality of hoses. Each of the hoses in the plurality extend through a respective one of the holes of the opening arrangement of the first end plate and a respective one of the holes of the opening arrangement of the second end plate.

The system can include any of the features for the protective casing as previously characterized.

In another aspect, a method of encapsulating hosing in a protective casing is provided. The method includes providing a bag comprising a pliable material; providing a first end plate including an opening arrangement; providing a second end plate including an opening arrangement; and orienting a hose by extending the hose through the opening arrangement of the first end plate, along the pliable material of the bag, and through the opening arrangement of the second end plate.

The step of providing a bag can include providing a bag with a pair of opposite longitudinal sides and a pair of opposite end sides between the longitudinal sides. A fastener can be provided to removably secure the opposite longitudinal sides together.

After the step of orienting a hose, there may further be a step of securing the hose within an interior of the bag by securing the opposite longitudinal sides together with the fastener.

The method may further include the steps of securing the first end plate to the bag by orienting the first end plate next to a first of the end sides and using a first clamp ring to secure the first end plate and the bag; and securing the second end plate to the bag by orienting the second end plate next to a second of the end sides and using a second clamp ring to secure the second end plate and the bag.

The step of providing a first end plate may include providing a first end plate having a first end plate clamp to permit adjustment of the first end plate opening arrangement to accommodate differing sizes of hosing. The step of providing a second end plate may include providing a second end plate having a second end plate clamp to permit adjustment of the second end plate opening arrangement to accommodate differing sizes of hosing.

The step of orienting a hose may include orienting a plurality of hoses, and extending each hose through a hole in the opening arrangement of the first end plate, along the pliable material of the bag, and through a hole in the opening arrangement of the second end plate.

The step of providing a bag comprising a pliable material can include providing a bag of an armored pliable material having a plurality of drain holes therethrough.

In another aspect, a protective casing for tool hosing includes a bag comprising a pliable material having a pair of opposite longitudinal sides and a pair of opposite end sides between the longitudinal sides; the longitudinal sides being releasably secured together to form an interior volume and first and second openings providing access to the interior volume; each of the end sides having a closure arrangement to releasably secure the first and second openings; a fastener arranged to releasably secure the opposite longitudinal sides together; and a plurality of drain holes defined by the pliable material.

In one or more examples, each of the end sides includes a plurality of holes adjacent to the respective end side; and the closure arrangement includes laces threaded through the end side holes.

In one or more example embodiments, the closure arrangement comprises a ratchet tie down strap; or a band clamp; or a belt.

It is noted that not all the specific features described herein need to be incorporated in an arrangement for the arrangement to have some selected advantage according to the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an end view of a protective casing for tool hosing depicted in FIG. 3, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the protective casing for tool hosing shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a protective casing and hose system, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an exploded plan view of an end plate and end plate clamp used in the protective casing of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic, perspective view of another embodiment of a bag used for a protective casing, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a protective casing using the bag of FIG. 5 and a closure arrangement using laces;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a closure arrangement embodied as a ratchet tie down strap, usable with the bag of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a closure arrangement embodied as a band clamp, usable with the bag of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a closure arrangement embodied as a belt, usable with the bag of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 3 illustrates a protective casing and hose system at 10. The system 10 is connected to a cleaning tool 12. The cleaning tool 12 will typically be a high pressure water jet cleaning system, such as an industrial pressure washer having a pressure anywhere from 7,000 to 60,000 psi.

The system 10 includes a bag 14 and at least one hose 16 contained or compartmentalized within the bag 14. The hose 16 can be a flex lance. As depicted, the hose 16 extends between the cleaning tool 12 and the bag 14. The bag 14 functions to bundle one or more hoses 16 to decrease trip hazards and clean-up work areas. The bag 14 encapsulates the one or more hoses 16 in a protective casing 18 to capture any potential burst.

The bag 14 is part of protective casing 18. The protective casing 18 includes the bag 14 comprising a pliable material 20. The pliable material 20 can be a variety of materials. Preferably, the pliable material 20 is made of an armored pliable material. The armored pliable material can be one of either woven or synthetic material. For example, one example armored pliable material 20 that is usable is material made from Kevlar™ armored material.

The bag 14 defines an interior volume 22. There are first and second openings 24, 26 providing access to the interior volume 24. The first and second openings 24, 26 may be on opposite ends of the bag 14.

Attention is directed to FIG. 2. In one example arrangement, the bag 14 is made from the pliable material 20 and includes a pair of opposite longitudinal sides 28, 30. A pair of opposite end sides 32, 34 extend between the longitudinal sides 28, 30. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the pliable material 20 has a rectangular shape with generally straight longitudinal sides 28, 30 and straight end sides 32, 34. In other embodiments, the sides 28, 30 and end sides 32, 34 need not be straight or form a rectangle. In use, the bag 14 is assembled by fastening the longitudinal sides 28, 30 together which forms the interior volume 22 and defines the first and second openings 24, 26.

The casing 18 also includes a first end plate 36. The first end plate 36 is illustrated as being arranged in the first opening 24 of the bag 14. The first end plate 36 includes an opening arrangement 38 to accommodate one or more hoses 16. The casing 18 further includes a second end plate 42. The second end plate 42 can be arranged in the second opening 26 of the bag 14. The second end plate 42 includes an opening arrangement 44 to accommodate one or more hoses 16. In the example shown, the second end plate 42 is identical in structure to the first end plate 36; thus, descriptions of the structure of the first end plate 36 also apply to the second end plate 42, in this embodiment. In other embodiments, they can be different.

In the example embodiment, each of the opening arrangements 38, 44 includes a plurality of openings 40 (FIG. 4) extending through the end plate 36, 42. The first and second end plates 36, 42 are illustrated as having a circular perimeter, but other shapes are possible. In this example, there are eight openings 40 extending through each of the end plates 36, 42. In other arrangements, there can be more or fewer openings 40.

In the non-limiting example illustrated, the openings 40 include open slots 71, 72, 73, 74 that extend inwardly or inboard from an upper radial edge 58 of the end plate 36, 42; and open slots 75, 76, 77, 78 that extend inwardly or inboard from a lower radial edge 60 of the end plate 36, 42. The slots 71-78 are depicted as U-shaped, but could be other shapes. The slots 71-78 hold the hoses 16 and are adjustable in size to accommodate different diameters of hoses 16, as further described below.

The casing 18 further includes a first end plate clamp 50. The first end plate clamp 50 is associated with the first end plate 36 to permit adjustment of the first end plate opening arrangement 38 to accommodate differing sizes of hosing 16.

The casing 18 further includes a second end plate clamp 51. The second end plate clamp 51 is associated with the second end plate 42 to permit adjustment of the second end plate opening arrangement 44 to accommodate differing sizes of hosing 16.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, the end plate clamps 50, 51 each has an upper clamp piece 52 and a lower clamp piece 54. The upper and lower clamp pieces 52, 54 are arranged relative to the opening arrangements 38, 44 in order to allow for varying diameter sizes of the hoses 16. The upper clamp piece 52 is oriented against the exterior face 56 of the end plate 36, 42 and along the upper radial edge 58 of the end plate 36, 42. The lower clamp piece 54 is oriented against the exterior face 56 and along and adjacent the lower radial edge 60 of the end plate 36, 42.

The upper clamp piece 52 includes a plurality of open slots 81, 82, 83, 84 extending inwardly or inboard from an edge 90 of the upper clamp piece 52 opposite of a radial edge 92. The edge 90 extends in a direction toward the end plate 36, 42 when operably assembled, while the radial edge 92 extends away from the end plate 36, 42. The radial edge 92 forms a portion of an overall radial surface 89 (FIG. 1) of the assembled end plate 36, 42 and upper clamp piece 52.

The upper clamp piece 52, when operably assembled with the end plate 36, 42 matches or aligns the open slots 81-84 with the open slots 71-74 to form through openings 40 as holes 46 (FIG. 1). The size of the holes 46 is adjustable by where the upper clamp piece 52 is fixed relative to the end plate 36, 42.

Many embodiments are possible. In the example shown, the sizes of the holes 46 are adjustable through elongate bolt holes 94, 95 in the upper clamp piece 52. Bolts 96, 97 (FIG. 1) are received in the elongate bolt holes 94, 95 and in the bolt holes 98, 99 of the end plate 36, 42. The upper clamp piece 52 can be moved radially toward or away from the end plate 36, 42 with the bolts 96, 97 being able to move within the elongate bolt holes 94, 95 in order to adjust the size of the holes 46 for the hoses 16.

The lower clamp piece 54 includes a plurality of open slots 85, 86, 87, 88 extending inwardly or inboard from an edge 91 of the lower clamp piece 54 opposite of a radial edge 93. The edge 91 extends in a direction toward the end plate 36, 42 when operably assembled, while the radial edge 93 extends away from the end plate 36, 42. The radial edge 93 forms a portion of an overall radial surface 101 (FIG. 1) of the assembled end plate 36, 42 and lower clamp piece 54.

The lower clamp piece 54, when operably assembled with the end plate 36, 42 matches or aligns the open slots 85-88 with the open slots 75-78 to form through openings 40 as holes 47. The sizes of the holes 47 are adjustable by where the lower clamp piece 54 is fixed relative to the end plate 36, 42.

Many embodiments are possible. In the example shown, the sizes of the holes 47 are adjustable through elongate bolt holes 102, 103, in the lower clamp piece 54. Bolts 104, 105 (FIG. 1) are received in the elongate bolt holes 102, 103 and in the bolt holes 106, 107 of the end plate 36, 42. The lower clamp piece 54 can be moved radially toward or away from the end plate 36, 42 with the bolts 104, 105 being able to move within the elongate bolt holes 102, 103 in order to adjust the size of the holes 47 for the hoses 16.

The protective casing 18 of FIGS. 1-3 may further include a first clamp ring 110. The first clamp ring 110 is usable for removably securing the bag 14 and the first end plate 36. In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the end side 32 of the bag 14 is wrapped around or pushed against the first end plate 36, and then the first clamp ring 110 is placed over and against the bag 14 to secure the bag 14 between and against the first clamp ring 110 and the first end plate 36. In this example, the end side 32 of the bag 14 is against the radial edges 89, 101 of the end plate clamp 50.

Many embodiments are possible. In the example illustrated, the first clamp ring 110 can be a form of an over-center band clamp 112.

The protective casing 18 can further include a second clamp ring 114. The second clamp ring 114 can be used to removably secure the bag 14 and the second end plate 42. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the end side 34 of the bag 14 is placed against the radial surface of the second end plate 42, and the second clamp ring 114 secures the bag 14 between and against the second end plate 42 and the second clamp ring 114. The second clamp ring 114 can operate as described above with respect to the first clamp ring 110. While many embodiments are possible, in the one shown, the second clamp ring 114 can be an over-center band clamp 116.

The bag 14 further includes a fastener 120 (FIG. 3). The fastener 120 permits opening and closing of the bag 14 along a region between the first and second openings 24, 26. Many embodiments are possible.

In the example embodiment shown, the fastener 120 includes at least one of a zipper, buttons, or hook and loop fastener. The FIG. 2 embodiment illustrates a hook and loop fastener 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 120 extends along the longitudinal side 30 of the bag 14. The fastener 120 is arranged to removably secure the opposite longitudinal sides 28, 30 together.

The bag 14 may further include a drainage system 124. The drainage system 124 is to allow for drainage of water or other moisture from the bag 14. Many embodiments are possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the pliable material 20 of the bag 14 includes a plurality of drain holes 126 (FIG. 2). Drain holes 126 are shown as being evenly spaced along the bag 14 in a column between the end sides 32, 34. The arrangement illustrated shows the drain holes 126 as being evenly spaced between the longitudinal sides 28, 30, but many arrangements are possible.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, in use, the system 10 includes the bag 14 with at least one hose 16, and possibly a plurality of hoses 16 being held in the interior 22 of the bag 14. The hoses 16 extend through the end plates 36, 42. The bag 14 bundles the hoses 16 to minimize trip hazards and also to provide a neater work environment. In addition, the bag 14 encapsulates the hoses 16 in the protective casing 18 to capture any potential burst.

A method of encapsulating flex lances or hosing 16 in a protective case 18 can include providing the bag 14 comprising pliable material 20. First end plate 36 is provided including an opening arrangement 40. A second end plate 42 is provided including an opening arrangement 44. The method includes orienting a hose 16 by extending the hose 16 through the opening arrangement 40 of the first end plate 36, along the pliable material 20 of the bag 14, and through the opening arrangement 44 of the second end plate 42.

The step of providing bag 14 includes providing bag 14 with a pair of opposite longitudinal sides 28, 30 and a pair of opposite end sides 32, 34 between the longitudinal sides 28, 30. A fastener 120 is arranged to removably secure the opposite longitudinal sides 28, 30 together.

After the step of orienting a hose 16, there is a step of securing the hose 16 within an interior 22 of the bag 14 by securing the opposite longitudinal sides 28, 30 together with the fastener 120.

The method further includes securing the first end plate 36 to the bag 14 by orienting the first end plate 36 next to a first of the end sides 32 and using a first clamp ring 110 to secure the first end plate 36 and the bag 14. The method includes securing the second end plate 42 to the bag 14 by orienting the second end plate 42 to a second of the end sides 34 and using a second clamp ring 114 to secure the second end plate 44 and the bag 14.

The step of providing a first end plate 36 includes providing a first end plate 36 having a first end plate clamp 50 to permit adjustment of the first end plate opening arrangement 40 to accommodate differing sizes of hosing 16. The step of providing a second end plate 42 includes providing a second end plate 42 having a second end plate clamp 51 to permit adjustment of the second end plate opening arrangement 44 to accommodate differing sizes of hosing 16.

The step of orienting a hose 16 includes orienting a plurality of hoses 16 and extending each hose 16 through a hole 46 in the opening arrangement 40 of the first end plate 36, along the pliable material 20 of the bag 14 and through a hole 47 in the opening arrangement 44 of the second end plate 42.

The step of providing a bag 14 can include providing an armored pliable material having a plurality of drain holes 126 there through.

Another embodiment of a protective casing for tool hosing is illustrated in FIG. 6. The same reference numerals are used for like parts, and the description of those like parts is incorporated herein by reference. In FIG. 6, the protective casing is shown at reference numeral 130. The protective casing 130 includes a bag 14 made of pliable material 20. The bag 14 has opposite longitudinal sides 28, 30 and a pair of opposite end sides 32, 34 between the longitudinal sides 28, 30. The longitudinal sides 28, 30 are releasably secured together to form interior volume 22 and first and second openings 24, 26 providing access to the interior volume 22. Each of the end sides 32, 34 has a closure arrangement 132 to releasably secure the first and second openings 24, 26. A fastener 120 is arranged to releasably secure the opposite longitudinal sides 28, 30 together, and there is a drainage system 124 included.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the drainage system 124 includes a drain holes 126.

Each of the end sides 32, 34 in the casing 130 includes a plurality of holes 134, 135 adjacent to the respective end side 32, 34. The closure arrangement 132 includes laces 138, 140 threaded through the end side holes 134, 135.

FIGS. 7-9 include alternate closure arrangements 132 as an alternate to the laces 138, 140. In FIG. 7, the closure arrangement 132 includes a ratchet tie down strap 142. The ratchet tie down strap 142 would be oriented adjacent to the end sides 132, 134 against the bag 14.

FIG. 8 illustrates another closure arrangement 132 embodied as a band clamp 144. The band clamp 144 would be secured adjacent to each of the end sides 32, 34 against the bag 14 in place of where the laces 138, 140 are illustrated.

In FIG. 9 another embodiment of a closure arrangement 132 is shown as a belt 146. The belt 146 would be adjacent to each of the end sides 32, 34 in the location where the laces 138, 140 are shown.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the fastener 120 used to releasably secure the opposite longitudinal sides 28, 30 is shown as buttons 121. Other embodiments of fastener 120 can include a zipper or a hook and loop fastener.

A method of encapsulating a hose in a protective case can use the casing 130 of FIG. 6. The method can include providing bag 14, orienting the hoses 16 along the pliable material 20 of the bag 14 from end side 32 to end side 34, securing the longitudinal sides 28, 30 to each other by using the fastener 120, and then securing the first and second openings 24, 26 by engaging the closure arrangement 132. In one example, the closure arrangement 132 can include tightening laces 138, 140. In other embodiments, engaging the closure arrangement 132 can include using the ratchet tie down strap, the band clamp 144, or the belt 146.

The above represents example principles. Many embodiments can be made using these principles. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective casing for tool hosing; the protective casing comprising: (a) a bag comprising a pliable material having an interior volume and first and second openings providing access to the interior volume; (b) a first end plate arranged in the first opening of the bag; the first end plate including an opening arrangement to accommodate hosing; and (c) a second end plate arranged in the second opening of the bag; the second end plate including an opening arrangement to accommodate hosing.
 2. The protective casing of claim 1 further comprising: (a) a first end plate clamp associated with the first end plate to permit adjustment of the first end plate opening arrangement to accommodate differing sizes of hosing; and (b) a second end plate clamp associated with the second end plate to permit adjustment of the second end plate opening arrangement to accommodate differing sizes of hosing.
 3. The protective casing of claim 2 wherein: (a) the first end plate opening arrangement comprises a plurality of openings; and (b) the second end plate arrangement comprises a plurality of openings.
 4. The protective casing of claim 1 further comprising: (a) a first clamp ring removably securing the bag and first end plate; and (b) a second clamp ring removably securing the bag and second end plate.
 5. The protective casing of claim 1 wherein: (a) the bag includes a fastener to permit opening and closing of the bag along a region between the first and second openings.
 6. The protective casing of claim 5 wherein: (a) the first and second openings are on opposite ends of the bag.
 7. The protective casing of claim 6 wherein: (a) the fastener includes one of a zipper, buttons, and a hook and loop fastener.
 8. The protective casing of claim 6 wherein: (a) the bag includes a pair of opposite longitudinal sides and a pair of opposite end sides between the longitudinal sides; (b) the fastener is arranged to removably secure the opposite longitudinal sides together; and (c) the first opening is formed by a first of the end sides, and the second opening is formed by a second of the end sides.
 9. The protective casing of claim 8 further comprising: (a) a first end plate clamp associated with the first end plate to permit adjustment of the first end plate opening arrangement to accommodate differing sizes of hosing; the first end plate opening arrangement comprising a plurality of openings; (b) a second end plate clamp associated with the second end plate to permit adjustment of the second end plate opening arrangement to accommodate differing sizes of hosing; the second end plate arrangement comprising a plurality of openings; (c) a first clamp ring removably securing the bag and first end plate; and (d) a second clamp ring removably securing the bag and second end plate.
 10. The protective casing of claim 9 wherein: (a) the pliable material of the bag includes a plurality of drain holes therethrough.
 11. The protective casing of claim 10 wherein: (a) the pliable material of the bag comprises an armored pliable material that is of one of woven and synthetic material.
 12. The protective casing of claim 1 wherein: (a) the pliable material of the bag includes a plurality of drain holes therethrough.
 13. The protective casing of claim 1 wherein: (a) the pliable material of the bag comprises an armored pliable material that is of one of woven and synthetic material.
 14. A protective casing and hose system, the system comprising: (a) a bag comprising a pliable material having an interior volume and first and second openings providing access to the interior volume; (b) a first end plate arranged in the first opening of the bag; the first end plate including an opening arrangement; (c) a second end plate arranged in the second opening of the bag; the second end plate including an opening arrangement; (d) at least one hose in the bag interior volume and extending through the opening arrangement of the first end plate and the opening arrangement of the second end plate.
 15. The system of claim 14 wherein: (a) the first end plate opening arrangement comprises a plurality of openings; (b) the second end plate arrangement comprises a plurality of openings; and (c) the at least one hose includes a plurality of hoses; each of the hoses in the plurality extending through a respective one of the openings of the first end plate and a respective one of the openings of the second end plate.
 16. The system of claim 15 further comprising: (a) a first end plate clamp associated with the first end plate to permit adjustment of the first end plate opening to accommodate differing sizes of hosing; and (b) a second end plate clamp associated with the second end plate to permit adjustment of the second end plate opening to accommodate differing sizes of hosing.
 17. The system of claim 16 further comprising: (a) a first clamp ring removably securing the bag and first end plate; and (b) a second clamp ring removably securing the bag and second end plate.
 18. The system of claim 14 further wherein: (a) the bag includes a fastener to permit opening and closing of the bag along a region between the first and second openings; the first and second openings being on opposite ends of the bag; (b) the fastener includes one of a zipper, buttons, and a hook and loop fastener; (c) the bag includes a pair of opposite longitudinal sides and a pair of opposite end sides between the longitudinal sides; (d) the fastener is arranged to removably secure the opposite longitudinal sides together; (e) the first opening is formed by a first of the end sides, and the second opening is formed by a second of the end sides; and (f) the pliable material of the bag includes a plurality of drain holes therethrough.
 19. A protective casing for tool hosing; the protective casing comprising: (a) a bag comprising a pliable material having a pair of opposite longitudinal sides and a pair of opposite end sides between the longitudinal sides; the longitudinal sides being releasably secured together to form an interior volume and first and second openings providing access to the interior volume; (i) each of the end sides having a closure arrangement to releasably secure the first and second openings; (b) a fastener arranged to releasably secure the opposite longitudinal sides together; and (c) a plurality of drain holes defined by the pliable material.
 20. The protective casing of claim 19 wherein: (a) each of the end sides includes a plurality of holes adjacent to the respective end side; and (b) the closure arrangement includes laces threaded through the end side holes.
 21. The protective casing of claim 19 wherein: (a) the closure arrangement comprises one of: ratchet tie down strap; a band clamp; and a belt. 